legend11

Hey all...

I found Pearl White 1999 Lexus GS300 in damn good condition with only 80,000 miles on it! The owner wants $12,000 for it and I'm not sure if this is worth it or not... I have looked up values for it, but can't tell what is best price for it based on these as there are a lot of variables...

Also, is there any common problems with these models that are a big turn off??? I almost bought an Acura TL 99 about 6 months ago and I'm glad I did not because those cars are notorious for blowing transmissions.. I'm sure hoping these cars don't have any problems like that. The timing belt + water pump should be done soon as well I would imagine....

I'm just not sure if this is a great deal or if I'm getting "stiffed" as I don't know anything about these cars... I just want a "fair" price for myself and the seller since the car looks great... I always get nervous buying used cards too cause I always wonder why they are selling if it is such an awesome car as they make it out to be...

Not sure...

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE GREAT.! Thanks again guys! :)

The car only has 102,000 miles on it and is a 1991 LS400; The owner claims the car is in "Excellent Condition"; I have yet to see the car but was curious to see what a good price for a 1991 LS400 w/ 102k miles would be for an excellent car. The car blue books for $6310 and I know I should not take this blue book value too seriously as many of you have told me in my past posts.

What would be fair if this car is excellent w/ maintainance (timing belt, water pump, etc...) ?????

If car had a few blemishes???

Thanks for the advice; I will be possibly negotiating if the car checks out (I am going to check it out tommorow) and would like to have a figure in my head so I don't get "screwed"

Thanks alot

Just for giggles. The car has 2 owners. The current owner purchased it last June. He's had it for only a year. What was his motive for selling it? I bet there is a big ticket repair item he's aware of and doesn't want to fix it. The air suspension has been serviced a few times already, right around the 115k mile mark from the first owner. Looks like the 1st owner did the 90k service as well "timing belt, water pump, etc...". It does not look like the current owner has serviced it much, or at least not at the dealer. No wrecks reported, no lease registration either, just straight personal use. Always been in Colorado. Here's the down and dirty:

LS 400 (JT8UF11E6L0027948). 

Date:

Mileage Reading:

Source:

General Comments:

 

05/24/1990      NICB

Vehicle manufactured and shipped to original

dealer

 

08/27/1993  37,725  Colorado

Motor Vehicle Dept.

Denver, CO

Title #01T450669

Title or registration issued

 

08/27/1993      Colorado

Motor Vehicle Dept.

Denver, CO

Title #01T450669

Title or registration issued

Loan or lien reported

 

09/11/1996  62,418  Colorado

Inspection Station

Passed emissions inspection

 

08/13/1998  78,186  Colorado

Inspection Station

Passed emissions inspection

 

07/28/1999  86,612  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

Miscellaneous service performed

 

09/16/1999  88,402  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

12/23/1999  91,099  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

05/04/2000  94,217  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

Miscellaneous service performed

 

08/09/2000      Colorado

Inspection Station

Passed emissions inspection

 

09/11/2000  98,902  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

11/09/2000  99,900  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

03/27/2001  102,998  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

Engine serviced

Miscellaneous service performed

 

05/09/2001  103,954  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

08/02/2001  105,671  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

11/21/2001      Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

05/07/2002  112,492  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

08/03/2002  114,243  Colorado

Inspection Station

Passed emissions inspection

 

11/06/2002  115,739  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

Suspension system serviced

Engine serviced

Lubed oil and filter changed

 

03/25/2003  119,248  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

Suspension system serviced

 

05/30/2003      Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

09/02/2003      Colorado

Motor Vehicle Dept.

Denver, CO

Title #210069

Title issued or updated

 

11/14/2003  120,225  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

05/21/2004  122,110  Service Facility

Vehicle serviced

 

07/02/2004      Colorado

Motor Vehicle Dept.

Denver, CO

Title #642825

Title issued or updated

New owner reported

 

07/13/2004  123,244  Colorado

Inspection Station

Passed emissions inspection

 

07/13/2004      Colorado

Motor Vehicle Dept.

Denver, CO

Title #642825

Registration issued or renewed

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Thanks, I appreciated that; Yeah, I definantly feel alot better now that I let the car go. I guess well I'm being patient a better car will come along.

Awesome, I am on the hunt for an LS400 too. You got a good deal, especially with the maintainance records you got too. Does this car have air suspension or not? Good price on it with that many miles. I was dealing with a guy who wanted about that for a 1990 with 133k and the exterior was not in excellent condition due to some paint fading away on it.

Congratulations.

can someone please carfax this LS. I am going to have a mechanic look at it tommorow; it is the 90 LS400!!! The one I had doubhts with. Please let me know...

Kind of spur of the moment I know. If anyone can run this VIN I would be greatful..

JT8UF11E6L0027948

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Well, no need for a carfax on this car; I officially ended this deal with this guy and am feeling pretty good about going with my gut instinct. Here is the full scoop explaining my desperate "carfax" post....

At about 3:00 pm I received a phone call from the possible seller and he stated that he would sell the car for $5550 (only $50 more than my final offer). I said that the price would be fine if the car checked out okay with my mechanic so he went ahead and said he would have the car looked at the next day from my mechanic some time in the afternoon. I said if everything checked out okay then the deal would be fine.

I thought about it hard and long and my conscience set in and told me to drive by his house and take a final look at the car and see if my initial "first impression" of the car justified buying it (remember I said that there was some minor paint problems with the car, and I was also concerned about the air shocks). My girlfriend was with me too and this was going to be the first time for her to see the car and I asked her for her initial impression of it too. Unfortunately, the LS400 was not outside his home at all so we were bummed as we did not see it (we did not call, we were going to just drive by and see it) so we decided to go grab some dinner. Ironically we happen to drive near an LS400 right by this bar off of a mile where we were and it looked identical to the one I was going to buy; IT WAS THE SAME ONE!!!! I identified the same blemishes that were on the car to verify it. I was in complete shock as to the odds of finding the same exact car in the middle of no where. My girlfriend was not impressed with the condition of the car and neither was I and my brother when we first saw the car (the paint did that for us). Me and my brother grew to like the car upon test driving it being by it. This was what my decision was based off of, of even considering the car.

BOTTOM LINE<

I LOVED THE CAR (The model), BUT NOT THIS PARTICULAR CAR!!!

You guys in here were a tremendous help. My post about the carfax should have never existed as it was based on spur of the moment and emotion. I should have never considered the car for as long as I did. I am just greatful that I pulled out of the deal before it was too late (I just hope the seller is not tooo mad :whistles: )

THANKS and I will keep up the progress in my search for a car similiar to how akewlguy did. Thanks... :P

can someone please carfax this LS. I am going to have a mechanic look at it tommorow; it is the 90 LS400!!! The one I had doubhts with. Please let me know...

Kind of spur of the moment I know. If anyone can run this VIN I would be greatful..

JT8UF11E6L0027948

You'll HATE those air shocks when they break. It's about a cool $1,200 PER wheel to fix, unless you convert it over to the normal spring/strut set up. Trust us...air suspension is a real sob to mess with. Probably the most expensive thing to repair on the car, and...they...will...need...repair...work!! The only real negative recommendation I've ever heard about buying a used LS is to stay away from the air suspension. I don't care if he just replaced them himself, they'll need attention again. I'm betting they're the originals too. Most people who have them, replace them with the conventional set up when they're worn out, due to the huge cost savings. Hell, even the dealer will tell you that, and recommend it over replacing the air shocks with air shocks. Personally, I would find one that does not have the air suspension. I think you're really asking for trouble with them. True, the ride is increadible...but so is the normal set up. It's your call man, sounds like it's a good car, just know that when the air shocks go, you've got to replace them and it'll cost you a lot more than with a normal set up. With the normal set up, it's just a strut @ $50. With the air suspension to convert it, you've got to get the springs and some other little nick/nack things to make the conversion work. You'll be around $400-$550 per wheel for conversion. Not to mention, when one goes, you've got to either fix that one with air parts, or convert the whole car with conventional set up. You can't have just one wheel on normal set up, and the others on air. It's all or nothing.

Do yourself a favor, don't get the air suspension option unless you've got the cash reserves to waste on fixing them.

I don't mean to p*ss on your parade amigo, just pointing out a VERY LIKELY pitfall you'll face with that car.

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No problem, I appreciated the directness of the post. It makes me realize that there is no way around getting these to work correctly. I have got to admit though, the lower and raising of the car was cool (it allows the stance to change) but I don't feel it is worth having constant money dumped in order to keep it working. I am going to stray from this car. Especially sinc you said that this is the most expensive thing to fix on the car. You know what, When driving the car the guy said that the car does not lower very well. He said that when you lower the car it lowers tooo ffar. I was not aware of anything with this car when I test drove it. We lowered it in the parking lot because I want to actually how far "too low" was and it looked fine to me. It kind of looked cool to watch the car lower but I agree, there is no since and buying something that is going to have an inevitable problem in the future. Thanks, I guess I know what to look for now.

I think I loved the model and not that specific car. I love the LS400, but I will cross my fingers and pray that a 1st gen white one is for sale with no air shocks and decent mileage.

Back at square one,

but thanks for the advice. I appreciate the fact that you guys in here feeding me LS400 knowledge and keeping me aware of problem car.

At 5900 (which is steep for a 90 to begin with IMO and based on what I've heard in here) I am not going to get a car that will require a suspension overhaul just because all the other maintainance checked out fine.

Thanks thanks thanks

Everything that requires repairs is 3x's more expensive at LEXUS dealer then "Joe" mechanic.

Timing belt                1200 or 400

Power SP                  1200 or 500

Lights go dim in cold    1200 or 300 (Jim Walker)

Front end (Each side)  2000 or 1000 (complete replacement)

AC Compressor          not sure (?1200 or 600?)

Right now I cant think of other issues.. 

For the most part where can you find an awesome car for less then 10k when all is said and done.. The car will last up to 300k by most estimates.. I LOVE MY LS!

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Okay, never mind. I was aware of these types of things (exception of Light go dim and front end). I guess these cars are really reliable. It is tempting to go ahead and buy this car. 5900 is rather cheap I guess, but I will see what happens... I just don't want to be saying "I should have..." later down the line. Ofcourse this is a big deal for me as I have never went out on my own to buy an car. First tim buyer!

I just paid $6900 for my 93 with 93k.. It also needed new tires ($500), dash lighting ($300), timing belt ($400) and had minor nicks here and there.. I spent a week driving different LEXUS's and realized this one drove nicer then the 94's, 95's and 97's I test drove.. Three of them had less mileage, but one was leased (stay away) and three had issues with the front ends. So I guess in the end the price was more like $8100.. Throw in my new rims, title and registration I'm over $9000.

For sure I think you need to go to cars.com and take a look at a few more LEXUS's. I am not saying you do not have a good deal, but why rush?

Does the 90 have Air Shocks? If so when I went to LEXUS mechanic he stated dont buy Air Shocks.. They go bad and cost a pretty penny to replace. Personally I dont have much experience with them, but this is what I was informed.

KBB stated excellent is nearly perfect. Only 1-2% of cars meet this status. No mechanical issues, nearly perfect paint and interrior.

I also agree with the 93.. The car has a ton of improvements! Did you review the generations web site? It shows pictures and details that have changed.. The 93 is wonderful.. Check out my pictures in the posting.. First week of LEXUS ownership.. I think its on the second page some where.

Good luck and dont rush!!! ALSO MAKE sure what ever you get bring to LEXUS for your own mental stability. More or less they will tell you everything you need to know for about $100 bucks.

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Yeah I agree with what you said about taking the car to a lexus dealer for inspection, but is something that should happen before buying the car??? Or should I seller do this as a service to the buyer???? Not sure how you guys pulled this off. I was going to have the ls looked at by my local mechanic for free or the lexus dealer. Yeah, I am getting excited about getting one of these things but I got to maintain the emotion since I don't want to regret something later on. It sucks because there are no other Lexus' near 200 miles on AutoTrader or cars.com in the color and mileage I want.... I hope somebody will sell one that looks good nearby.

A few things that are keeping me from buying so far...

-The guy wants $5900; I will only offer him $5500 for it.

-The front bumper paint is fading away (the white portion, the grey looks fine)

-The car has chrome fender moldings (I hate these things and know I could take them off but I have heard that someone did this and there is discoloration, so I will have no way in knowing until I buy the car)

-The car has air shocks

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I mean the car seems really maintained and it is in the color I want. Am I being tooo picky?? Let me know what you guys think. I mean if I think about it, it is only a $6000. Interior is flawless, and the body is really good (just paint). Also, the car seems extremely maintained and he has the records to prove it.

Just not sure if I will regret letting this one go, or regret buying it. I guess it is kind of hard to go wrong if I don't have a rent payment (I am 20 and live with my parants).

I wonder if there is any polish or paint cleaner that I can apply near the discoloration on the fenders to help blend the paint once I take the fender moldings off if there are any discoloration)

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...showtopic=11775

Best source of info.

Welcome!

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Yeah, I saw that; That is an excellent starting point and I found the buying guides helpful especially as they were'nt a general used car buying guide like many of the used car buying guides out there. It was specifically written for the LS400! I just wished they had some more elaborate sections in there regarding maintanance and common problems. Just a really clear list. I saw the section where they were describing to some degree-year-to-year changes.

I mean, I guess I would wish the list was created for the "perfect" used LS400. For example, if you went to go look at a LS400 for a possible purchase, what expensive service/maintainance would have to have been done with receipts in order for the car to be "the one". I feel I may be passing a really good car up at the moment and wish I knew more on what exactly to look for as I am mechanically-stupid!

Thanks for the fast response thought

!!!!REQUESTED: RECOMMENDED MAINTAINANCE GUIDE

!!!!REQUESTED: MOST COMMON PROBLEMS GUIDE

I am new to LS400's and am trying to "jump on the bus" with the many experts in here. I have been searching for the past few hours and have not found a thread (unless I am completely out of it) on the most common problems for the LS400. It would be nice if someone could explain per year (or generation) problems that exist. I am on a search for the LS400 and it would be extremely helpful in the negotiating phase to see what has been or not been done to the car. This is what I have seem to see

1990-1994 (1st Generation)

-Power Steering Pump ???

-Needles on Instrument panel burn out

-AC stops working

-air suspension

-timing belt (like other cars)--should be included in recommended maintance

section

-water pump (like other cars)--should be included in recommended maintance

section

ANYThing Else??!?!? I am looking for older (1990-1994 1st generation LS's) so with the older cars comes higher mileage.

It would also be nice to get a "rough" cost to fix these issues and the severity of letting some slide. For instance, would letting the Power Steering Pump slide and not getting it fixed cause more problems in the long run. Obviously (I may be wrong), getting the AC fixed later on will only mean no cool air until it is fixed and no other problems will be cause due to not getting it fixed. I know if the timing belt is not done then the engine is shot (so I heard).

Please include relative maintanance that should be done as well; ie, timing belt, water pump etc... A maintanace guide would be nice to have as well. There is one on the Acura Legend forum for the Legend ( I am a former 2nd generation owner)

..... So I was hoping that this forum might contain a recommended maintance guide.. www.lexus.com was no help unfortunately.

Others future newbies, as well as me, would extremely appreciate having an elaborate thread on these issues.

I AM NEW BUT READY TO JUMP ABOARD AND TALK LS400 TALK

This guy is saying $5900 is what he is willing to settle for; The blue book is $4900 and I know everyone says take the blue book with a "grain of salt" when it comes to the LS400. I just think the price is a bit high. You guys said an excellent condition LS400 and this one has a slight crack on the windshield and paint is coming off on the front bumpers. The car also has a few dings on the body (which is expected for a 1990) and the interior is flawless. Car ran like a dream, but I have limited driving these so I am not sure if a poorly maintained one would still run good in my eyes. At 75 on the highway the ride was really smooth. The timing belt was done at 93k with the water pump. I think the "crank shaft" was done as well. Not sure if this is something that was supposed to be done or not. The guy does seem to nudge from there so I am tempted to leave and look for another. I just get the vibe that the car is a great car. Him and his wife own three of them!!! Yes three!!! same color and everything (one 92, and two 90's). They said that they are selling one of the 90 and one of the other 92. I want the 90 because the 90 has less mileage than the 92 and I think it is in better shape (with the exception of the faded paint on the front bumper). I am not sure what to do. I definantly don't want to overpay.. Let me know what you think. I guess at $5500 I am being generous as many of you's think $5500 is fair for an excellent car. What exactly is excellent anyway if the car is 15 years old??? Not sure where to go from here, but hopefully someone can guide me a bit more to the right direction based on what you guys think.

Okay, the car's mechanical side of things were mint!! Service records and everything looked fine. The only thing that "sucked" about the car was that the front bumper had paint peeling off (not sure why). The front bumper was the only thing that was weird and the paint wasn't peeling off completely (like partial). The body had a few minor dings. He said that the suspension would lower to far when he lowered it. I lowered it to see for myself and I thought It looked great!! It gave the car a slammed look and I would probably lower it myself anyway> Not sure what the big deal is. I offered 5000 and he came back after going inside to talk to his wife. He said the lowest he'll go is 5900 and I said the highest I'll go is $5500 (and honestly, that is the highest I will go). I guess we will see if he calls me back on my offer. Great CAR!! Run's well and timing belt and water pump was done. He said he did about $1000 worth of work about a year ago on the "crank ???" not sure what that was. He said it was tied to the steering of the car. Well, let me know what you guys think. The car seems mechanicaly top-shape!!! No leaks or nothing. Leather interior is perfect!!!1 This is a 1990 LS400 with 133,450k. Let me know please and thanks for all the input. Is 5500$ reasonable?? Or, I was thinking about offering him half-way ($5700) and see if he bites, but first I am going to play "chicken" with him and not call him to see if I get a better deal. I am only 20 and new to this whole "negotiating scene" but I feel I got an 8 out of 10 on my negotiating skills thanks to you guys and some helpful websites. Let me know some advice or tips. Thanks. As for now, I am waiting for the phone call. I really like the car, but I did not let my emotions get in the way. Thanks akewlguy! for the tip.

okay guys, thanks for the input, But should I pay only blue book value?????? ? I need an answer pretty quick as I may be negotiating withen the next day or so. I was thinking $5500, but I am ignorant to 1st gen LS400 pricing.. Let me what you all think in terms of what a fair price would be for a "flawless" vehicle (ie, timing belt, excellent condition and appropriate maintanance done). I will go from there once I actually see the vehicle. Thanks again!!!!

Hello to all!!!!

I am soooooo greatful for any feedback and help!! : )

This is my first post and am so glad I ran into this forum. Here is the scoop...

I am excited to say that I am on a quest for a 90-94 LS sedan. They look great!!!! I have been without a car for a year and feel that this car is perfect!!! Anways, I am going to go look at this car about 7:00pm (Mountain standard Time) tommorow and need some pricing information from you experienced LS400ers. The guy has $6300 listed for a 1990 LS 400 with 133k. I did a KBB and it came to $4800 with a car of this mileage. Is that the fair price!!!!!???!??!? It seems like a tremendous leap than what he is asking. Is this guy being outrageous?!?!? Please help me as I am completely ignorant to 1st gen LS400 prices. The car has been well maintained (so he says, but he offers to show proof of receipts upon request ). The timing belt was done and some various other maintanence I am not sure of. I have not seen the car yet but he assure me that the car is in imaculate condition. Ironically, the guy is selling another LS400 (yes, he has two) for $6900. The car for $6900 is a 1992 LS400 with about 160k miles; the timing belt was done too. He loves both of them but can only keep one as he just moved to a new house which garage can not house both cars. He told me whichever car sells first, he is going to keep the other one. To me, this seems like he is confident both cars are great cars as he would push me into only one. I like the peace of mind I am feeling.

The kbb seems to be a bit off, or is he a bit off. That is a $1500 difference!!. Should I meet him half way (if possible). Or is $5550 too much? I honestly have no clue and don't want to get burned, but, at the same time, I don't want to lose a possible great car due to being to deal-hungry. If the car is as great as he says it is then I want it. I just don't want to shoot him too low of an offer (in his eyes). I am new to negotiating. Any tips!!?!?

Please help me out!! : 0 !!!!!! I would love to share a success story on here and show some pics...

W.W.C.L.S.4.0.0.O.D???

"What would current LS400 owner do?" : )